SPRINGFIELD — The Missouri Sports Hall of Fame will soon honor 14 individuals, including a former big-leaguer, Kansas City Chief and an angler, as well as two college sports eras, Mercy athletic trainers and three golf brothers as part of its Class of 2026.
President & CEO Rob Marsh on Wednesday announced the Enshrinement, set for 1 PM on Sunday, Feb. 1 at the Ozark Empire Fairgrounds in Springfield. The Hall of Fame also will honor Thompson Sales with the John Q. Founder’s Award and bestow Rick Beaman of Hiland Dairy Foods with the President’s Award.
“We’re excited to be telling the stories of these honorees because they not only excelled in their fields, but inspired many others,” Marsh said. “We hope folks join us in celebrating their collective success.”
The Class of 2026 is as follows:
Bill Mueller – Missouri State Baseball & Boston Red Sox
Dustin Colquitt – Kansas City Chiefs
Matt Gifford – Cardinals baseball executive
Rob Bowers – Richmond High School football coach
Darrell “Smitty” Smith – Boxing coach
Borland Golf Brothers of Carthage – Glen, Joe & Gary
Richard Hackett – Drury University diving coach
Missouri State University 1989 & 1990 Football Playoff Teams
Crowder College Softball Era of 1982-1992
J.P. Sell — Fishing
Tom Beck – Lexington High School track & field coach
Kevin Kelly – Jefferson City sports radio
Jeff Starkweather – Joplin High School coach & athletic director
Tonya Peck – Fair Grove High School volleyball coach
Bill Barton – State Fair CC basketball coach
Mercy Sports Medicine Athletic Trainers & Support Staff
Eric Johnson – Webb City basketball coach
Stan Melton – Ice Bears founder
Thompson Sales – John Q. Hammons Founder’s Award
Rick Beaman – President’s Award
